Tucked away in a quiet Petra Jaya neighbourhood, Bana Nurul Corner serves more than just home-style Malaysian dishes – it offers a taste of family, tradition, and the heartfelt partnership behind every plate.
Where love meets home-style flavours
IF you wander down a quiet street in Taman Foong Joon in Petra Jaya, you might stumble upon a charming little eatery tucked in the corner of a family home.
There’s no flashy signage or fancy décor – just the smell of freshly cooked food wafting through the air and the cheerful chatter of families gathered around simple wooden tables.
This is Bana Nurul Corner – a place that feels more like a friend’s backyard than a restaurant.
Children can be seen running around freely, their laughter echoing through the open space. Parents sip their drinks leisurely, chatting while waiting for their plates of ikan bakar or daging salai masak lemak.
The breeze drifts in naturally, carrying with it the comforting aroma of spices. It’s casual, homely, and humble – the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at ease.
Behind the warmth of Bana Nurul Corner is a story built on love and partnership. Nurul Ain Daud and her husband, Nazri Faisal, run the eatery together, each contributing their strengths to create something special.
“Alhamdulillah, every recipe worked on the first try. My husband is a great cook, so he was confident in every dish we wanted to serve,” said Nurul with a smile.
Tasted and loved at home
Before any dish made it to the menu, it had to pass through a small but honest panel of taste-testers – Nurul’s father, their closest family members, and even the neighbours.
“We always asked for their feedback. But most of the time, they just ate quietly and smiled. That was all we needed to know it was good,” Nurul recalled fondly.
This approach reflects the values at the heart of Bana Nurul – to serve food that they themselves would be proud to eat, food that feels like it came straight from a family kitchen.
Even the name of the shop tells their story.
“Bana comes from my husband’s nickname, Nurul from mine, and the shop is literally on the corner of our house. It’s simple, but it’s us,” she said with a laugh.
Humble space, bigger dreams
Right now, Bana Nurul Corner uses the open-air courtyard of their home as the dining area.
The tables are arranged under the shade, and the natural breeze keeps things cool most of the time. It’s rustic but welcoming – the kind of setting that encourages people to linger after their meal.
Still, Nurul has dreams of upgrading the space to make it even more comfortable.
“If we had the means, I’d love to enclose the front area and install air-conditioning.
“It would be perfect for hot days, especially for families with small children. I want people to feel at ease no matter the weather,” said the 39-year-old.
But even in its current form, customers seem to appreciate the relaxed, homely vibe. There’s no rush, no pressure – just good food and friendly faces.
Goodbye to a favourite
Every dish on the menu carries a little story. One of the most memorable was their ayam percik, a smoky, flavourful grilled chicken marinated in a rich spiced sauce.
It was especially popular during Ramadan, but despite the demand, Nurul and her husband had to stop offering it.
“It was such a favourite,” she said with a tinge of regret.
“But it was just too time-consuming and complicated to prepare consistently. We didn’t want to compromise on quality, so we had to let it go – even though many people still ask for it,” she added.
Still, the menu remains filled with comforting favourites that are simple, affordable, and full of flavour.
They have focused on dishes that are easier to maintain without sacrificing taste – like the ever-popular nasi lemak, with its fragrant coconut rice and a choice of hearty side dishes.
Another favourite is the butter chicken with rice, with its rich, creamy sauce that is comforting and appeals to both adults and children.
“We want everyone to feel they can afford a proper, satisfying meal here. If a customer only has RM10, they can get nasi lemak with one side dish and a sweet, refreshing rose syrup drink – or butter chicken with rice. And we always serve plain water for free,” she added with a smile.
For them, it’s never just about profit. It’s about making good food accessible to everyone.
Reality behind the kitchen door
From the outside, running a food business might seem fun and fulfilling – after all, you get to cook, feed people, and see them happy. But Nurul is quick to point out the reality.
“Cooking isn’t the hard part. It’s finding reliable staff who really understand the work and share the same commitment. That’s not easy,” she pointed out.
Even with a great cook in the family, maintaining consistency, managing operations, and keeping up with demand can be exhausting.
There are long hours, unpredictable days, and the constant pressure to keep customers happy.
Yet, the challenges are made easier by the growing support of the local community. Social media has played a huge role in this.
“It helps customers feel more connected to us. They can share photos of their meals and post reviews, and that makes others feel confident to come and try.
“It’s not just about advertising – it’s about building a community around what we do,” she explained.
When asked who inspires her the most, Nurul’s answer comes without hesitation.
“My husband,” she said softly.
“Every dish, every idea, it all comes from us working together. He’s the creative force in the kitchen, and I’m the one who makes sure everything else runs smoothly. It’s a true partnership,” she added.
Their teamwork extends beyond the kitchen. From deciding the menu to planning improvements for the space, they share the workload and the dreams.
A legacy beyond profit
For Nurul, Bana Nurul Corner is more than just a small food business. It’s a reflection of their family values – honesty, quality, and care.
“If one day this shop is passed on to the next generation, my biggest hope is that they’ll run it with the same principles – prioritising quality, customer satisfaction, and good service, not just chasing profit,” she concluded with a hopeful smile.
At Bana Nurul Corner, every plate is more than just food – it’s a promise of care, a reflection of their values, and a little piece of home.
Here, you will find comforting food, a friendly family atmosphere, and the kind of warmth you can only get when meals are made with heart.
